BioCryst Pharmaceuticals signs agreements with two additional partners

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: BCRX) today announced that it has signed agreements with two additional partners who will exclusively represent BioCryst and its anti-viral peramivir for influenza stockpiling opportunities for territories outside of the U.S. BioCryst's new partners are Merck Serono for Europe, Russia, Canada and Singapore and Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, excluding Israel. BioCryst and its seven regional partners for peramivir cover all major and the majority of smaller pharmaceutical markets globally.

"Each of these companies has strong commercial infrastructures and established regulatory contacts in their respective territories, making them attractive partners for peramivir within these important markets," said Jon P. Stonehouse, President and Chief Executive Officer of BioCryst Pharmaceuticals. "BioCryst has received peramivir emergency use inquiries from various countries in these regions, and we look forward to working with Merck Serono and Hikma to make peramivir available during the ongoing influenza pandemic."

Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Merck Serono is the division for innovative prescription pharmaceuticals of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a global pharmaceutical and chemical company. Merck Serono reported 2008 revenues of approximately euro 5 billion.

Headquartered in London, Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC is a fast growing multinational group focused on developing, manufacturing and marketing a broad range of both branded and non-branded generic and in-licensed products. Hikma's operations are based principally in the MENA region, where it is a market leader. Hikma reported 2008 revenue of $581 million.

BioCryst is currently enrolling patients in two peramivir Phase 3 studies intended to support U.S. regulatory approval for influenza. Approximately 300 study locations are targeted to participate in these studies globally.